Composer Alexandra Skevington has written an excellent book of new music for Viola and Piano – Altotastic!
Published by Clifton Edition, Book 1 is aimed at the level of grades 1 to 3.
The accompany music album provides the tracks to listen to and to practice with. Performed by Alexandra on the piano and Eoin Schmidt-Martin on the viola.
AltoTastic Book 1 Grades 1 – 3
Mixing & Mastering by John Elleson-Hartley.
There are 9 viola duets (easy part for student, hard part for teacher) which have also been arranged for viola and piano (including one that ends up backwards) plus a bonus 10th duet (no piano – purely for fun between teacher and pupil) at the end and a bona fide viola joke at the start.
I’ve simultaneously released the album to streaming platforms with the wonderful musicality of @eoinsm bringing the viola parts to life and me supporting on piano. The magician that is @johnehartley has also given them a sprinkling of his fairy dust at the mix/master stage.
Piano accompaniment only tracks are also on the album to aid practice.
ALEXANDRA SKEVINGTON